NCFI Polyurethanes is using Honeywell’s low-global-warming Solstice® Liquid Blowing Agent (LBA) to create spray foam for roofing applications, with wall insulation systems to follow, in order to meet regulations from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that are phasing down the use of HFCs in favor of low-global-warming alternatives.

The company produces sustainable polyurethane products and is transitioning its entire engineered building products line from hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) foam-blowing agents with high global-warming-potential (GWP) to low-GWP products.

“A major part of our White House-recognized low-GWP commitment is to introduce HFC-free spray foam products that meet our high performance standards,” said Chip Holton, president, NCFI Polyurethanes. “Not only is our internal plan for conversions to a SmartSPF® line well ahead of the deadlines set by the EPA, we also believe these new spray foam products give us a strong competitive advantage.”

The adoption of Solstice LBA is part of how NCFI is fulfilling its commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, a commitment that was first publicized during an exclusive roundtable discussion held by President Obama at the White House last October. At that event, NCFI was honored for its proactive plans to transition from HFCs to low-GWP products.

Compared to NCFI’s HFC-based insulation systems, the new roof systems featuring Solstice LBA deliver improved sprayability, consistenc, and surface finish. The foam is also stronger, which enables users to walk on roofs with less risk of damaging the foam.

Solstice LBA, which is based on next-generation hydrofluoro-olefin (HFO) technology, is a critical ingredient in closed-cell foam, allowing it to expand and enabling its excellent insulating performance. Solstice LBA has an ultra-low GWP of 1, which is 99.9 percent lower than HFCs and equal to carbon dioxide.